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Dylan Hartley has signed a new contract with Northampton Saints. Credit: PA

Seven Northampton Saints players, including England stars Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes, have signed new contracts with the club.

Speculation had been mounting that Hartley would switch to French club Montpellier, but the Saints captain has revealed that he spurned their advances to stay at Franklin's Gardens.

Courtney Lawes is also staying at Franklin's Gardens. Credit: PA

Second-row Courtney Lawes was also linked with a move away after establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the Aviva Premiership.

Calum Clark, Alex Waller, Ethan Waller, James Craig and Gareth Denman have also committed their futures to Northampton.

“We have a group that has shown time and again that they have the ability to compete at the highest level of club rugby, and retaining players is very important to us.

The seven forwards that we have announced today are all good players already, but they still have the ability to improve and we are looking forward to seeing them develop further at Franklin’s Gardens.”